Episode 96 - That Jaken Who Became Sick
Sesshomaru, Jaken and Rin are traveling through a forest when Rin’s growling stomach breaks the sylvan peace. She’s hungry! Rin hops off the two-headed dragon she was riding, and heads off on her own, looking for something to eat. Sesshomaru orders Jaken to follow the child. A grumbling Jaken obeys. Inuyasha and company, is also the move. They’re headed past Jinenji’s home on their way North to find Naraku. Kagome wants to stop to visit her second favorite half-demon and had planned on bringing him a gift from modern times -- a bag of crisps. Unfortunately, all Kagome finds is an empty bag -- the crisps are gone, eaten by her first favorite half-demon -- Inuyasha! It’s also apparent Inuyasha thinks the visit is a waste of time, but Kagome and the rest veto him. Back at Sesshomaru’s group, Rin also finds a snack, but is interrupted by a large demon, which attacks her. Sesshomaru steps in and elegantly dispatches the creature, but instead of dying it dissolves into a swarm of Naraku’s Saimyoushou. Sesshomaru and company have stumbled onto a nest of the cursed insects. Sesshomaru destroys the nest, but not before several of the insects’ sting and poison Jaken with their venom. If Jaken doesn’t find a cure for the toxin by sundown, he’s a goner. Sesshomaru departs, following the remaining insects towards Naraku, leaving Rin and Jaken on their own to deal with Jaken’s injury. The ailing Jaken upsets poor little Rin so much that she set’s off to find the antidote that will save Jaken‘s life. The cure happens to be an herb grown by a fellow named Jinenji. Up the road, Inuyasha senses the approach of the same Saimyoushou that escaped Sesshomaru’s sword. The gang also decides to follow the insects to Naraku. As they close in on the demonic wasps, the insects drop dead out of the sky. Before they can figure out why that happened, Sesshomaru arrives and accuses Inuyasha of killing the creatures. Inuyasha denies any wrongdoing, but Sesshomaru believes his little brother is only making excuses as usual. Furious he’s lost another chance at Naraku, Sesshomaru draws Tokijin and rushes Inuyasha. They clash while Kagome and the others watch, more concerned about the brothers’ relationship with each other than their sword fight. Rin, in the meantime, has arrived at Jinenji’s house. Jinenji and his mom are home, but Jinenji appears to be indisposed -- he’s a huge lump in bed, hidden entirely by covers. Rin tells them she needs one of their special herbs to save the life of a poisoned friend. Jinenji, however, can’t help her - this is his day of transformation. He‘s hiding his human self and refuses to leave the safety of his home. But Jinenji takes a liking to Rin, who reminds him of Kagome, in appearance and spirit, instructing the child where she can find the special medicinal plant. Regrettably, it’s located in a very bad place for little girls, or anyone for that matter. Back at the fight between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, Sesshomaru succeeds in pinning Inuyasha and prepares to finish off his baby brother when Kagome intervenes. She gives Sesshomaru critical information about Naraku whereabouts that placates him, and he lets Inuyasha go, taking his leave. Scene change to Rin, who has made it to the valley where the medicinal plant, grows. Jinenji was right -- it’s a place chocked full of hungry demons, steep cliffs, deep chasms and unstable ledges. On one of the unstable ledges grows the plant. Rin harvests the plant, but the ledge it’s on gives way underneath her, and she plummets into the chasm below. Sesshomaru arrives in the nick of time to catch her, rescuing her and the plant. They return to the waiting Jaken, who has just about given up. Sesshomaru tosses the remedy to the sick little goblin, much to Jaken’s fawning gratitude. Later than evening, Inuyasha and the gang arrive at Jinenji’s house, where Jinenji is back to his ‘normal’ self. He and his mom tell everyone about the little girl who called on them earlier, seeking an herbal antidote for a sick monster. Jinenji describes the child as resembling Kagome in both looks and sweetness of spirit. Kagome is flattered but Inuyasha tells Jinenji he is way off on his description of Kagome. The comment earns Inuyasha several consecutive ‘sit‘ commands. Returning to Sesshomaru’s ensemble, Rin revives after her ordeal and discovers Jaken alive and well. Rin is delighted! Sesshomaru gathers his ‘clan’ together and set’s off for the Northeast, towards Naraku.
